Neighborhood Vibrancy Grants

The Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant (NVG) is administered by the City of Westfield, Indiana, through its Community Development department. Designed to enhance the quality of life and promote aesthetic, recreational, and environmental improvements, the program supports innovative, community-driven projects within neighborhood spaces. As a local initiative, NVG is primarily targeted at Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) and neighborhood groups within the boundaries of Westfield, Indiana. The grant reflects Westfield's ongoing commitment to fostering civic pride, environmental sustainability, and resident-led urban improvement projects. The NVG program operates as a 2-to-1 matching grant, offering up to $10,000 per awarded project. To qualify for the full amount, applicant groups must raise at least $5,000, which would be matched with $10,000 by the city. This structure is intended to encourage shared investment and ensure community buy-in. Funding must be used toward the cost of design, construction, or installation projects, with emphasis on proposals that have high visibility and potential to positively affect the wider community. Projects located within public rights-of-way require additional review. Typical supported initiatives include transforming lawn spaces into native plant gardens, creating butterfly habitats, improving trail connectivity, installing park amenities like benches and little libraries, and adding solar lighting or other neighborhood enhancements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but the program has two formal review and award cycles each calendar year. The first round opens on January 1 and closes on March 1, with awards announced by April 1. If funds remain, a second cycle opens on May 1 and ends July 1, with award announcements by August 1. All projects must be completed within one year of funding. Applicants are required to register their HOA with Westfield’s WeCan group, complete the online application form, and submit supporting documentation including location maps, visuals of existing conditions, proposed plans or drawings, a detailed budget and timeline, and third-party cost verification such as contractor bids. Planting plans must include scientific names and cultivar details, with preference given to native species supporting local ecosystems. Applications are evaluated by the NVG Committee, which forwards recommendations to the Board of Public Works for final approval. Evaluation criteria include the age of the neighborhood, visibility from public areas, degree of local involvement or volunteerism, sustainability and innovation of the proposed idea, potential number of residents benefited, and overall alignment with Westfield's Comprehensive Plan. Projects are expected to contribute to beautification, improved environmental outcomes, and increased connectivity or usability of community spaces. Applicants are encouraged to outline how they will measure success and what alternatives they will pursue if their proposal is not selected. Questions related to project viability, community impact, and alignment with city planning documents are central to the application. The grant is managed by Ryan Collingwood, Associate Planner, who can be contacted at [email protected] or by phone at 317-741-8857. Additional technical assistance for conservation-related projects is available through the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District. With its clear match funding structure, strategic timelines, and emphasis on community-driven environmental and recreational projects, the Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant serves as a vital resource for neighborhoods in Westfield aiming to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and connected urban landscape.

Priority given to native plants, visible and impactful projects, and strong local engagement.